Taiwan will reach out to domestic, foreign arms supply to beef up defence in response to China increase in military budget

With the world's largest standing military, China is preparing to launch its second aircraft carrier, integrate stealth fighters into its air force and field advanced missiles able to attack air and sea targets at vast distances

This handout photo taken and released by Taiwan's Military News Agency on April 29, 2010 shows Taiwan military soldiers during the annual Han Kuang exercise in southern Pingtung, in which more than 6,000 personnel participated.Under President Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan has also sought to reinvigorate its domestic arms industry including in building trainer aircraft and possibly ships and submarines.TAIWAN MILITARY NEWS AGENCY / AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Taiwan will look to its domestic arms industry as well as foreign suppliers to respond to China’s continuing military buildup, but has no interest in engaging in an arms race with its cross-strait rival, the defence ministry said Tuesday.

The remarks from spokesman Chen Chung-ji came a day after China announced an 8.1 per cent rise in its military budget for this year to 1.1 trillion yuan ($173 billion), the world’s second largest after the United States.

“Taiwan has no intention of getting involved in an arms race with China, or with neighbouring countries,” Chen told reporters at a briefing. “However, we expect to strengthen our capabilities in self-developing arms, including locally built vessels and aircraft, or even information and communication warfare.”

China regards Taiwan as Chinese territory to be eventually brought under its control, by force if necessary.

Under China-imposed diplomatic isolation, Taiwan has few avenues for purchasing arms abroad apart from the United States, which despite only having unofficial ties with the self-governing island democracy, is legally bound to ensure it has a credible defence.

Military armoured vehicles release smoke during a drill at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taichung, central Taiwan, on September 23, 2008 simulating an air attack from rival China.PATRICK LIN /
AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Under President Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan has also sought to reinvigorate its domestic arms industry including in building trainer aircraft and possibly ships and submarines.

Such foreign and domestic weapon systems aimed to “satisfy the needs of defensive warfare, and assure the security of Taiwan, as well as to maintain regional stability and peace,” Chen said.

With the world’s largest standing military of between 2 million and 2.3 million members, China is preparing to launch its second aircraft carrier while integrating stealth fighters into its air force and fielding an array of advanced missiles able to attack air and sea targets at vast distances.

Taiwan’s armed forces are far smaller, although the island has universal conscription and a pool of reserves nearly 3 million strong. Its commanders have sought to capitalize on the physical barrier posed by the 160-kilometre (100-mile) -wide Taiwan Strait to fend off a possible Chinese attack.

As part of a pressure campaign against Tsai, China has sent bombers and fighter planes to fly around Taiwan and sailed its sole operating aircraft carrier through the strait with its battle group. China’s missile arsenal is also considered a key component in any assault, able to overwhelm Taiwan’s air defences by sheer force of numbers.

Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has released its last budget before the fall federal election

This Week's Flyers

Comments

Postmedia is pleased to bring you a new commenting experience. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. Visit our community guidelines for more information.